Before you pay.
A quiz, an IQ test or a “free” trial asks for your card. Check it here first. It takes one minute.
Nothing you type here leaves this phone or computer. There is no sign-up, and nothing is saved. Turn the wifi off and this page still works.
Want a second check?
Copy all the writing from the payment page, including the small print, and paste it here. It is read on this device only.
Stop the money.
This is not your fault. These pages are built so that the real price is hard to see. Here is what to do, in this order.
Phone your bank.
Use the number on the back of your card, or in your bank’s own app. Never use a number from a text message or an email. Then say:
Write down the reference number the bank gives you. If you do not need to pay websites in other countries, ask the bank to switch that off on your new card.
Tell the company to stop.
Look for the word Cancel at the bottom of the company’s website, or in any email it sent you. Never type your card number again to cancel. Then send the company the message below, so there is a written record.
Make your two messages.
Fill in what you know. Leave out anything you do not know. Nothing here is saved or sent anywhere: you copy the messages yourself.
To the company
To your bank
Give this to the bank by email, in its app, or read it out on the phone.
Watch the text messages.
A message from your bank telling you a payment was taken is normal. A message that asks you to tap a link, phone a number or “confirm” anything is almost always a scam, even if it looks like your bank. Do not answer it. Phone your bank on the number on your card instead.